Disney’s highly anticipated reboot Tron: Ares is currently struggling at the domestic box office, having garnered approximately $14.3 million on Friday. Industry estimates project an opening range between $35 million to $37 million. Although it is on track to top the weekend’s box office, these figures fall substantially short of initial expectations.
Included in Friday’s earnings are $4.8 million from previews, stemming from Thursday night and early access screenings on Wednesday.
The film, which boasts a substantial production budget of $180 million, was initially projected to open between $40 million to $45 million, with forecasts even suggesting a possible $50 million debut. This release marks the third installment of the franchise, following the original Tron and its sequel, Tron: Legacy, which debuted to $44 million in 2010. Current reviews remain mixed, with a critical score of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and a considerably more favorable audience score of 86%.
The third film is directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning and features a cast including Jared Leto as Ares, Greta Lee as Eve Kim, the CEO of ENCOM, and Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger. The hefty production costs contribute to the pressure on the film to perform well in order to offset its financial investment.
Competing for audiences this weekend is Roofman, a romantic crime-caper comedy produced by Miramax and Paramount, featuring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Roofman opened with $3.3 million on Friday, including $1 million in previews, and is anticipated to close its debut weekend on the lower end of expectations, projecting an opening gross of around $8 million.
The modestly budgeted film, which tallied $19 million to produce, was expected to cater to female audiences seeking alternative offerings to the male-oriented Tron. With positive critical reception, Roofman currently holds an 84% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 88% audience score; however, initial viewership appears to skew male.
Both films earned a B+ from polling service CinemaScore, reflecting a solid audience reception.
Based on a true story, Roofman tells the tale of an Army veteran and struggling father who resorts to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by creating holes in their roofs, which earns him the nickname Roofman. Following a prison escape, he manages to live undetected within a Toys “R” Us for six months, plotting his next move until his double life unravels due to a burgeoning romance.
Also in theaters is Soul of Fire, from Sony’s faith-based Affirm label, which earned $1.3 million on Friday, predicting a $3 million opening. The low-budget film, which cost $3 million, has received an A CinemaScore and is resonating well in heartland markets.
In the specialty market, Amazon MGM Studios is platforming After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Julia Roberts. This psychological thriller is anticipated to yield over $30,000 per location.
The film discusses a sexual assault accusation that fractures Yale’s philosophy department and features a talented ensemble, including Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny.
Original score for After the Hunt is composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
In terms of holdover titles, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is expected to finish in third place with a projected weekend gross of $6.8 million to $7 million, registering a noteworthy drop despite previously garnering an A+ CinemaScore. Audiences are still curious about this WB entrant, which marks only its third week in theaters.
The Smashing Machine, featuring Dwayne Johnson, faces a dramatic decline in its second weekend, expected to generate only $1.8 million after being met with lukewarm audience reception despite strong critical reviews. This distinction heralds a difficult path for the film that saw a costly $50 million investment prior to marketing.
Further updates on box office performance will follow Sunday morning.
Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m.: Updated to reflect revised estimates.
Oct. 11, 3:00 a.m.: Edited for new information regarding Soul of Fire.
This story was originally published Oct. 10 at 9:59 a.m.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.